London koen- October 2025

[Octofuji 431]

The only bout that looked even a bit realistic was Tamawashi v Wakatakakage, albeit only half the usual intensity. So kudos to them for their acting ability.

Very disappointing but with hindsight it was probably naive to expect anything else, what with jet lag, sightseeing, and no proper keiko.

Also, I guess they didn't want the risk of the audience seeing someone leave in a giant wheelchair, not to mention the complications to the wrestler of getting injured in London.

[Octofuji 431]

On a positive note, @kintamayama would enjoy Hiro getting Abi and Ichiyamamoto confused :)

[Octofuji 431]

30 minutes ago, Koorifuu said:

The second half definitely felt less staged in general, but still not genuine.

Maybe except for Gonoyama vs Hiradoumi. Now those two guys looked like they were going at it.

Gonoyama didn't convince me with his masterful yorikiri win ;)

But yes, in general the second half was more watchable.

[Fashiritētā 213]

At least Gonoyama will have a better record than September, though only 5 matches.

[Asashosakari 20,247]

Sadanoumi - Asakoryu was great, and Tamawashi breaking out the nodowa in an exhibition was rather unexpected.

Humouring this event with a "results" post for historical posterity and because of the meta angle of seeing how they do the scheduling for subsequent days...

Day 1

Shimpan (clockwise from shomen): Dewanoumi, Sadogatake, Wakamatsu, Takadagawa

J2e  Kotoeiho (1-0)      tsuridashi     J1w  Oshoumi (0-1)
M18e Shishi (1-0)        tsuridashi     M17w Hitoshi (0-1)
M17e Ryuden (1-0)        uwatenage      M16w Nishikigi (0-1)
M15e Tobizaru (1-0)      shitatenage    M15w Shonannoumi (0-1)
M14e Sadanoumi (1-0)     yorikiri       M14w Asakoryu (0-1)
M13w Tokihayate (0-1)    uwatenage      M12w Mitakeumi (1-0)
M12e Takerufuji (0-1)    shitatehineri  M11w Roga (1-0)
M11e Shodai (0-1)        uwatenage      M10w Churanoumi (1-0)
M10e Daieisho (1-0)      tsukiotoshi    M9w  Fujinokawa (0-1)
M9e  Midorifuji (0-1)    tsuridashi     M8w  Kinbozan (1-0)

Shimpan: Kasugano, Isenoumi, Katsunoura, Fujishima

M7e  Takanosho (0-1)     uwatenage      M7w  Oshoma (1-0)
M6e  Onokatsu (1-0)      uwatenage      M5w  Ichiyamamoto (0-1)
M5e  Kotoshoho (0-1)     sukuinage      M4w  Wakamotoharu (1-0)
M4e  Hiradoumi (0-1)     yorikiri       M3w  Gonoyama (1-0)
M3e  Atamifuji (0-1)     uchimuso       Kw   Aonishiki (1-0)
Ke   Takayasu (1-0)      tsukiotoshi    M1w  Abi (0-1)
M2w  Oho (0-1)           yorikiri       Sw   Kirishima (1-0)
Se   Wakatakakage (0-1)  oshidashi      M1e  Tamawashi (1-0)
M2e  Hakuoho (0-1)       uwatenage      Yw   Hoshoryu (1-0)
Ye   Onosato (1-0)       uwatenage      M8e  Ura (0-1)

Yumitori-shiki: Hananoumi

Edited October 17 by Asashosakari

[Kajiyanosho 66]

This was quite the surreal experience for me, considering that I also got to work on it, and it was all a bit last minute and manic. I was one of the few journalists invited to attend the ring-blessing ceremony, and that felt quite special somehow. 

I have to say that for me it was really great. I interviewed many fans outside and the atmosphere of anticipation was fantastic. The rikishi seem to really have fun. [Shodai and Churanoumi were outside enjoying a cheeky cigarette together (LOL), so I was quite amused when I saw that throw]. 

The event overall was well presented, and Hiro was probably the person enjoying it more than anyone. Yes, many of the bouts felt very much like an exhibition, especially in the first half. But I think that's somewhat inevitable, until an event like this is actually declared  a honbasho with banzuke consequences. Otherwise, I don't see how any tournament can be just like a "real" one.

If anyone had the impression that this event was just a glorified show for clueless spectators, I think they'd be mistaken, at least on the second point! Maybe the cushions and VIP / corporate seats were filled with people just there for a laugh, but up in the circle (I paid for my own ticket) I was surrounded by  thousands of real sumo fans (including many Japanese explats). People had banners and towels; they shouted and celebrated, brought their sumo stuff there etc. You could clearly hear the support for Ura, Takayasu, Aonishiki, etc. 

So - was it just like a real basho? Not quite. But I can't wait to go back tomorrow!

[Reonito 1,782]

3 hours ago, Asashosakari said:

Humouring this event with a "results" post for historical posterity and because of the meta angle of seeing how they do the scheduling for subsequent days...

Yeah, I'm curious. Presumably, the angle is to have a grand showdown for the title between two undefeated yokozuna on day 5. But even if they do the matchups like they do in the lower divisions, we have 40 (0-0) -> 20 (1-0) -> 10 (2-0) -> 5 (3-0). I guess the script will be for the other three 3-0 guys to lose on day 4?

[Yamanashi 4,078]

How embarrassing that both Oshoumi and Hitoshi suffered their first-ever losses by tsuridashi.

[Koorifuu 1,120]

I don't rate Asakoryu v Sadanoumi that highly. Asakoryu's random tsuppari barrage at the start felt out of character for him, and more geared towards putting on a show. I genuinely don't remember him doing that... Aggressive double arm shoves and thrusts, sure. Chiyotaikai from Temu, not really.

6 hours ago, Yamanashi said:

How embarrassing that both Oshoumi and Hitoshi suffered their first-ever losses by tsuridashi.

Oshoumi even did that puroresu-style gentle hop to help the opponent lift him. 

Edited October 16 by Koorifuu

[Kishinoyama 625]

I am surprised that some forum members here are disappointed in the quality of sumo. Did you really expect the rikishi would go all out and risk injury that could potentially cause them to miss the Kyushu tournament? While I can understand the disappointment for hardcore sumo fans, this is more of a good will tour / exhibition and is a “show” and should be treated as such. Those that don’t know much about the sumo would probably think that the rikishi were going all out and there is nothing wrong with that. 

Edited October 16 by Kishinoyama
Oops....

[Octofuji 431]

14 minutes ago, Kishinoyama said:

I am surprised that some forum members here are disappointed in the quality of sumo. Did you really expect the rikishi would go all out and risk injury that could potentially cause them to miss the Kyushu tournament? While I can understand the disappointment for hardcore sumo fans, this is more of a good will tour / exhibition and is a “show” and should be treated as such. Those that don’t know much about sumo would probably think that the rikishi were going all out and there is nothing wrong with that. 

I was expecting/hoping for more of a middle ground. According to those who remember, the previous London koen was quite different. 

Also there are some very intense practice sessions leading up to a basho, that can (and do) lead to injuries and wrestlers missing the basho.

So while perhaps unlikely, I don't think it was out of the question.

[RabidJohn 2,069]

13 hours ago, Kajiyanosho said:

Yes, many of the bouts felt very much like an exhibition, especially in the first half. But I think that's somewhat inevitable, until an event like this is actually declared  a honbasho with banzuke consequences. Otherwise, I don't see how any tournament can be just like a "real" one.

The 1991 basho was much more like a real one. I wonder if the rikishi were also misled about the banzuke consequences back then, not just the British public, because they fought; there were injuries and blood in bouts that only ended after real effort.

They also did the full shebang before the bouts, gunbai held in all three positions, stare downs, etc. There were way more kensho, and on most of the bouts, which must also have provided some incentive (indeed, when the kensho appeared in the 2nd half last night there was a bit of a step up).

So, yeah, for someone like me, who was lucky enough to be there 34 years ago, last night fell flat.

That said, as jungyo-style exhibition sumo of the kind that the regions of Japan get to see between honbasho, this was a high quality production in a wonderful venue. We didn't get the rope-tying demo in 1991, but we did get the taiko drumming us in and out every night. I expect we might see other demos, like hair styling and maybe shokkiri.

The genuine opportunity to not only see the rikishi, but get to meet and talk to them is fantastic, too.

And we got to see Ura's legs for the first time in years!

Edited October 16 by RabidJohn

[Kajiyanosho 66]

I was also expecting a middle ground, and I felt that's what I saw in the second half. I'm going again tonight, and this time I have press access. If I see someone from the Kyokai I'm happy to check how they feel about the tournament feeling a bit too 'scripted'. They seem very adamant to underline that this is an "official" tournament and not an exhibition (although, without any mention of the banzuke, of course). 

I think timings are quite strict, so I would expect the same types of demonstrations that we had last night. I don't think hairdressing wouldn't fit in the schedule. 

[Akinomaki 41,812]

26 minutes ago, Kajiyanosho said:

I think timings are quite strict, so I would expect the same types of demonstrations that we had last night. I don't think hairdressing wouldn't fit in the schedule. 

Mage making can't fit in the schedule, except for a tsukebito as model, which is not what is done at a jungyo. The rikishi have to have the oicho  mage prepared to appear at the dohyo-iri. 

It took place as PR before the event, with Hakuoho as model.

Edit: it could fit after all, with yumitori man Hananoumi as model

Edited October 16 by Akinomaki

[RabidJohn 2,069]

I brought it up as a possibility because Hakkaku specifically mentioned the hairdressers in his opening speech.

[hypnoowl 25]

I'm sure it looks and feels better in person because almost everything does, but it doesn't really work very well as a televised event. Endless replays of comical exaggerated tsuridashi were beyond ridiculous.

[RabidJohn 2,069]

14 hours ago, Octofuji said:

On a positive note, @kintamayama would enjoy Hiro getting Abi and Ichiyamamoto confused :)

Oh yeah, that was hilarious for many forum members. 

Onosato's opponent "Abi in pink" was a leftfield cracker, too.

I think I heard a few forum members in the audience. Who else would be whooping for Konosuke?

Edited October 16 by RabidJohn

[Asashosakari 20,247]

Day 2 torikumi (I've flipped East and West compared to the file display):

M17e Ryuden (1-0)       -  M18e Shishi (1-0)
J1w  Oshoumi (0-1)      -  M17w Hitoshi (0-1)
M15e Tobizaru (1-0)     -  J2e  Kotoeiho (1-0)
M16w Nishikigi (0-1)    -  M14w Asakoryu (0-1)
M15w Shonannoumi (0-1)  -  M13w Tokihayate (0-1)
M11e Shodai (0-1)       -  M12e Takerufuji (0-1)
M10e Daieisho (1-0)     -  M14e Sadanoumi (1-0)
M12w Mitakeumi (1-0)    -  M10w Churanoumi (1-0)
M8e  Ura (0-1)          -  M9w  Fujinokawa (0-1)
M7e  Takanosho (0-1)    -  M9e  Midorifuji (0-1)

M5e  Kotoshoho (0-1)    -  M5w  Ichiyamamoto (0-1)
M11w Roga (1-0)         -  M4w  Wakamotoharu (1-0)
M3e  Atamifuji (0-1)    -  M4e  Hiradoumi (0-1)
M2e  Hakuoho (0-1)      -  M2w  Oho (0-1)
M1e  Tamawashi (1-0)    -  M8w  Kinbozan (1-0)
Ke   Takayasu (1-0)     -  M7w  Oshoma (1-0)
M6e  Onokatsu (1-0)     -  Kw   Aonishiki (1-0)
Se   Wakatakakage (0-1) -  M1w  Abi (0-1)
Ye   Onosato (1-0)      -  M3w  Gonoyama (1-0)
Sw   Kirishima (1-0)    -  Yw   Hoshoryu (1-0)

The file shows wrong records for Tokihayate and Mitakeumi, which is in line with last night's on-screen graphics, which also erroneously displayed "Tokihayate" as the winner while having the camera (correctly) on Mitakeumi after their bout.

[arkinso 11]

Why did they remove all the bandages? Are they ashamed to show weakness in front of the English audience?
On the other hand, we did get to see Ura’s knees...

[hypnoowl 25]

7 minutes ago, arkinso said:

Why did they remove all the bandages? Are they ashamed to show weakness in front of the English audience?
On the other hand, we did get to see Ura’s knees...

Ura never wears those at the jungyo because there's no need to stress the knees in somewhat scripted exhibition matches and they can't be comfortable to apply and wear unnecessarily.

[Koorifuu 1,120]

14 hours ago, Kajiyanosho said:

If anyone had the impression that this event was just a glorified show for clueless spectators, I think they'd be mistaken, at least on the second point!

The roar of applause when the announcer claimed that London was the only place to ever receive official tournaments outside Japan says otherwise.

I was there on the upper circles as well. Plenty of people were familiar with a number of rikishi and sumo overall, sure. But I still heard enough misconceptions to realise that most were not familiar enough to understand that a honbasho this is not.

I guess that level of familiarity is the ideal point for an event like this. People know enough to be interested, but most don't know enough to understand they're being deceived.

I did my part by saying 'That's a blatant lie.' quite loudly at that part. 

Edited October 16 by Koorifuu

[Kajiyanosho 66]

48 minutes ago, Koorifuu said:

The roar of applause when the announcer claimed that London was the only place to ever receive official tournaments outside Japan says otherwise.

I was there on the upper circles as well. Plenty of people were familiar with a number of rikishi and sumo overall, sure. But I still heard enough misconceptions to realise that most were not familiar enough to understand that a honbasho this is not.

I guess that level of familiarity is the ideal point for an event like this. People know enough to be interested, but most don't know enough to understand they're being deceived.

I did my part by saying 'That's a blatant lie.' quite loudly at that part. 

I don't know how to fight that one anymore, it even crept out in my own article (!) and quotes attributed to me. If the organisers say it, there's not too much anyone can do about it. It's just impossible to correct everyone. 

If anyone going tonight is happy to rant about their excitement / disappointment to the BBC, let me know in DM! I'll be there before 6pm. (I can't guarantee anything, though).

[growltiger 9]

 

I have just found the IPlayer site for the BBC's coverage but couldn't bring myself to watch more than a few secs... because I'm so sad that I can't be there in person... 

This would have been my only chance of ever seeing rikishi and all the other intriguing goings-on of a sumo tournament live - but I still was unable to be there for various reasons.The foremost being the prohibitive pricing, unavailability of tickets every time I tried and also health issues.

I was and still am disappointed at the ticketing system. Paris next year isn't any different. Before this, I wouldn't have thought watching sumo live would be so exclusive... 

And to think I even applied for a new passport earlier in the year -  optimistic, hopeful, naive me thinking I would be able to make it to London in October.... 

As for the people pouring scorn on the lack of proper competitiveness... I would have loved to be at a more jungyo-type event since then I would've been able to relax more and enjoy the spectacle without being afraid of someone getting seriously injured. 

Why not count yourself lucky you get to experience this event - when countless others can't?! 

Edited October 16 by growltiger

[Gurowake 4,151]

4 hours ago, Asashosakari said:

Day 2 torikumi (I've flipped East and West compared to the file display):

 

So it looks like they're doing this Swiss style, which with 40 people participating and assuming no one gets hurt gives them after three rounds 5 3-0 and 0-3 and 15 2-1 and 1-2, after which they'll have to do at least some cross-record matches with a 3-0 vs 2-1 and 1-2 vs 0-3 presumably.  There could be either 1 or 2 people undefeated after the fifth day, which is good compared to doing the pairings more unstructured which could have led to a huge 4-1 playoff, as there was an indication that there would be a playoff if there was a tie.

Which makes me wonder - why 40 rikishi then?  I can imagine that there's a cost/benefit tradeoff with how many people they're sending, plus the amount of time that they want the exhibition to last, but why 40?  Because that's the number they had last time, and that's the number of Makuuchi rikishi there were at that time?  Are they trying to say here: "These guys are all Makuuchi*, they're the entire division, and the division size hasn't changed since last time", all of which are untrue?

*Even if it counts people promoted on the unreleased banzuke, the likelihood Kotoeiho was promoted seems quite slim.

Edited October 16 by Gurowake

[Chijanofuji 113]

Hiro just posted today's video of Sumo Prime Time, showing 3 matches from yesterday:

https://youtu.be/1W6_Fm0sr9Q?si=M_1t035SRJ2bqm62

And the same three matches (in a different order) shown as posted on YouTube by the Royal Albert Hall:

https://youtu.be/qEEnY9oxtJg?si=QkD8pyt9zkl7yyzH

 

Edited October 16 by Chijanofuji